Announcements, November 25

All-Ages Advent Worship, 10am: We will begin the season of Advent with All-Ages Worship, exploring the symbols, stories and songs of this new season together. Before and after the service, craft stations will be available for kids (and non-kids) to make small gifts for their loved ones. In addition, Advent materials, including candles and prayers for at-home use, are available in the Gathering Area.

Kids for Kids: The children of St. Dunstan’s would like to raise enough money to buy a pair of goats for people in need around the world – a total of $160. Put your donation in the bank in the Gathering Area to support their endeavor! Read more about Episcopal Relief & Development’s Gifts for Life program here: http://www.episcopalrelief.org/what-you-can-do/gifts-for-life.

Advent Virtual Book Group: Daring Greatly. You’re invited to join a virtual book group. We will read Brene Brown’s bestselling book Daring Greatly: How the Courage to be Vulnerable Transforms the Way we Live, Love, Parent, and Lead, and share reactions and reflections in a Facebook group. We may also plan one or more face-to-face discussions if there is interest in doing so. Sign up in the Gathering Area and/or join the Facebook group “Advent Reading Group: Daring Greatly.”

Altar Flowers: December dates are available! Honor a loved one or a special event with altar flowers. Reserve your special date by writing your dedication on the sign-up sheet. Suggested donation is $35 (write “flowers” on the memo line of your check or on envelope containing cash).

THE WEEKS AHEAD…

ECW Women’s Day Away, Tuesday, Dec 1: Come have some fun and share a day in Baraboo with friends, good shopping and lunch. There are a great many shops to choose from within a 2-3 block walk on 3rd and 4th St. including Yarn Arts Cafe and Ardyth’s Sew and Vac (quilting/sewing). the others are Berkah Kate’s cookware and gadgets, Just Imagine Toys (for all ages), Lillian Verrall Accessories and Gifts, Cornerstone Gallery, Countryside refined, Tuff Dog Leather, Amber Moon and Green Vine (a possible lunch location) – sign up on Sunday (on bulletin board). We’ll be leaving from the St. D’s parking lot at 8:30am. Come enjoy a great day!

The Poetry of Advent, Sunday, December 6, 9am: Bring a favorite Advent poem to share, or simply come to listen and reflect together.

Sunday School, Sunday, December 6, 10am: Next week, our 3 – 6 year old class will be learning about the story of Advent, while our 7 – 10 year old class will explore the story of the birth of John the Baptist.

Backpack Snack Pack Prep, Sunday, December 6, 12noon: The kids and families of St. Dunstan’s are invited to join our Foundry 414 Church neighbors in preparing “Backpack Snack Packs, to help local school children from low-income households to have nutritious snacks available over the weekend. We’ll work in the Chapel Meeting Room following the 10am service.

MOM Special Offering, Sunday, December 6: Next Sunday, half the cash in our offering plate and any designated check will be given to Middleton Outreach Ministries’ food pantry. Groceries are a welcome gift too. Here are the top 10 most needed items at this time: macaroni and cheese; pasta; canned meat (tuna/turkey/chicken); meals in a box; canned soup (no tomato, healthier varieties); mandarin oranges; canned pineapple; sugar; flour; diapers, sizes 4, 5 and 6. The pantry is always in need of quality bedding items such as comforters, sheets, blankets and towels. Thanks for all your generous support!

Healing Prayer, Sunday, December 6: Next Sunday, one of our ministers will offer Healing prayers for those who wish to receive prayers for themselves or on behalf of others.

Birthdays and Anniversaries will be honored next Sunday, December 6. Come forward after the Announcements to receive a blessing and the community’s prayers.

Evening Eucharist, Sunday, December 6, 6pm: Join us for a simple service before the week begins.

Madison-Area Julian Gathering, Wednesday, December 9, 7:15-9pm: All are welcome to join in contemplative prayer and to learn more about St. Julian of Norwich. For more information, contact Susan Fiore, ObJN at slfiore@mac.cm or (608) 845-2413.

Advent Quiet Day, Saturday, December 12, 1 – 4:30pm: Come spend some time in intentional silence. You may color, read, participate in Advent prayer stations, walk the grounds, sit in silence, or converse quietly in a designated area. We’ll begin and end in prayer. You’re welcome to invite a friend. Talk to Sharon Henes if you’d like to help out with snacks, art, music, or other elements of the day.

The Art of Advent, Sunday, December 13, 9am: Bring a favorite Advent image, or simply come to look, reflect, and share.

Service of Lessons and Music, Sunday, December 13, 10am: Our special Lessons & Music service this Advent will focus on the life and preaching of John the Baptist. A signup sheet for our festive Coffee Hour will be available soon.

Caroling Ministry: Would you like to join a small group of singers, prepare a set of songs and readings, and visit some of our homebound elders to sing for them, one evening near Christmas? Talk with Rev. Miranda or sign up in the Gathering Area to get involved in this new ministry, intended to share the spirit of the holy season and the love of this parish with those who are rarely able to worship with us.

Share your Christmas with our neighbors! St Dunstan’s will sponsor 20 people through MOM’s Sharing Christmas program this year. Please take one or more gift tags from the display in the Gathering Area and purchase a gift. Wrapped gifts will need to be back at St Dunstan’s on December 13.

The Longest Night: A Liturgy of Light in the Midst of Darkness, Sunday, Dec. 20, 6pm. On December 20th, we will gather together out of the darkness of the season for a quiet, meditative worship service. Feel free to invite friends who might appreciate this time set apart to name the darkness in the world and in our lives, and prepare our hearts for the coming of the light of Christ. Contact Rev. Miranda at 238-2781 or rector@stdunstans.com with any questions.